What are private on-leash dog walks?
- Petsitter Jen
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Leashing Up the Best Care: Discover the Benefits of Private On-Leash Dog Walking
I have been walking dogs in Abbotsford and Mission for over a decade, launching Furryornot Petcare way back in 2011. Right from the beginning, I only offered what we now call private on-leash dog walks. Walking around the neighbourhood with a dog on leash was what I was most familiar with. As a Dog Mom in the city and while working at the dog kennel, I just naturally kept things safe and walked all dogs on leash. That way, I did not have to worry about recall, or dogs not getting along, and other safety concerns. My dog Clyde and I would go to certain trails and go off-leash, but I did not want to take any unnecessary risks with my client's dogs.
When I first started, I assumed dog walks were just dog walks, but as time passed, it became obvious that other dog walking businesses did things differently. Some businesses offer off-leash 'adventure walks', usually with a small pack of dogs, and go on a hike. Some businesses offer group walks on leash. Some businesses offer private on-leash walks, but they bring their own dog with them. And, I am sure there is some other variation I have not noticed yet.
People would call and ask about what we do, and they often expected other dogs to be on the walk too. So, I had to figure out a way to explain what we do more clearly to avoid confusion and disappointment. I did some research and got some ideas from other dog walkers. Once I found the right words, I started incorporating the 'private' and 'on-leash' descriptors to help people understand what Furryornot Petcare walks are really like.
I think a common vision of a dog walker is like The Secret Life of Pets animated movie, where someone in a big city picks up a bunch of dogs in a neighbourhood and then walks them together or goes to a dog park and lets them run around. I LOVE that movie, but I could not stand the fact that the dog walker just did not pay attention and completely missed the 2 main dog characters running away! I could not help but be judgey! Luckily, the dogs ended up at a sausage factory and had a great adventure, but I would rather not take any chances with the dogs I walk in real life. Does Abbotsford even have a sausage factory? Maybe they would stop at Lepp's?
Choosing the right service for you and your dog
There are benefits to walking, exercise, and playtime.
Check out our post all about the benefits here: https://www.furryornotpetcare.ca/post/the-benefits-of-walking-your-dog
Your dog will be happy when any or all of those activities are included in their day. What will work best will depend on your schedule, budget, your dog's age, health, energy level, and your location.
I think an off-leash adventure walk is a great service and can be an amazing option, especially if your dog needs a lot of exercise and enjoys playtime with other dogs. This is a good chance for a dog to really burn some energy out, run around, enjoy sniffing, exploring, and socializing with other dogs.
On-leash group or 'pack walks' are a nice way for dogs to make friends, and it can be a cost-effective way to get a walk in with the added benefit of socialization.
Whether it is an off-leash adventure or an on-leash pack walk, the main downside might simply be the timing or availability, as the walks will typically be on certain days of the week and/or at a set time with a limit on the number of dogs in the group.
Puppies need to get to a certain age and have all their vaccinations before joining a group walk or going to daycare. Senior dogs may be slowing down and find a big hike too much. A business that offers group or pack walks may have to say no to a dog that does not get along with the current pack. Dogs may also need to be spayed or neutered before being able to join a group. Or a dog may get nauseous when they ride in a vehicle.
Each business will require different things depending on their own needs, how they structure the groups/packs, and the personalities and needs of the dogs they currently walk. Another problem may be that your dog does not actually like other dogs at all!
This is why private on-leash dog walks are a good alternative and can be used along with a group walk or daycare service. Sometimes it does 'take a village' for dog care.
What our Private On-Leash Dog Walks look like
Personalized Attention for your dog
Emphasis on safety and a stress-free experience
Flexible Scheduling to fit you and your dog's needs
Commitment to your dog's well-being
Personalized Attention
We tailor the walk to your dog's level of energy, health, and interests. We want them to have fun, stay safe, get some exercise, and enjoy our time with them. Whether they enjoy a fast-paced walk, a leisurely stroll, a stop and sniff, a treat for looking cute, or meeting every person they see, we try to learn what they like and make sure they are having a good time.
If a dog is fearful or anxious, we can take a quieter route that they enjoy and avoid busy, noisy areas.
If you have 2 dogs we can walk them together if they are well-mannered. If they are more rambunctious, we may need to split the walk and take them out separately. But, either way, we will get them out and have fun tailored to each individual.
A funny side note is that when walking two dogs with different interests, we try our best to negotiate and ensure both dogs get to sniff where they want. However, we often end up with our arms outstretched in opposite directions. Sometimes, one dog may get tired of waiting for the other. But we make it work!
Safety and a stress-free environment
We walk dogs on leash and make sure they are secure and walk around their familiar neighbourhood close to home. If the dog does not like meeting other dogs, we will avoid close encounters and cross the road or take a different route. If the dog loves meeting people and other dogs, we will approach them if they seem friendly and ask if it is okay to meet. We make sure they have water when they get back, and the home is secure when we leave. After the walk, the dogs can stay where they are most comfortable - on their bed with their own toys until you get back home.
Flexible scheduling and options
We offer dog walks between 8 am and 8 pm, 7 days a week, which can accommodate a variety of needs. We do morning walks, midday/lunchtime walks, afternoon walks, and evening walks. We have some shorter walks that are for a quick potty break and longer ones for a bit more exercise. We also offer playtime in the yard for those dogs that do not like walks or prefer playing instead.
We have clients who use our services in many different ways. Here are some examples of where we can help out:
a couple of times a day, a morning and evening potty break or 2 midday/mid shift walks
midday/lunchtime on weekdays, 4 or 5 days every week
only on certain days each week
on a rotating schedule
a few times a month
once in a while, when something comes up and they will be out of the house longer than usual
We have clients that alternate our on-leash dog walking service with other services, an off-leash adventure hike and daycare. And, we have also helped out when our client's regular walker is on holiday or the daycare is closed for a period of time.
Committed to your dog's care and their well-being
We are committed to your dog's well-being and happiness and do our best to ensure they have fun and get back home safe and sound. We refresh their water and give them their treat or snack depending on their usual routine. We will let you know if we notice anything unusual or concerning and send a message and photo update.
Get in touch with us
Take the next step so we can take your dog out for a private on-leash dog walk when you need us.
With all the dogs we have walked over the years, we have seen firsthand how the right walking service can transform a dog's day—and their owner's peace of mind too. Whether your pup is a social butterfly, a nervous nelly, a senior who prefers a gentle stroll, or a youngster with lots of energy, our private on-leash dog walking service adapts to meet their unique needs.
Our commitment to safety, personalized attention, and flexible scheduling means you never have to worry about your dog fitting into someone else's program. Instead, we fit into your life and adapt to your dog's personality. From avoiding that scary corner they don't like to stopping at their favourite sniffing spot, we make every walk about them.
Ready to give your dog the individualized care they deserve?
Join the Furryornot Gang today!
Contact us at office@furryornotpetcare.ca or text 604-302-1780 to schedule your dog's first private on-leash walk.
Because at Furryornot Petcare, we believe every dog deserves a walk that's as unique as they are.
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